You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide Epic Games is gearing up to launch another exciting Fortnite x Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration! The data for the collab was added with the v33.30 update on January 31, though the content remains encrypted. Thanks to leaks and data miners, weve already uncovered some details, and it looks like the collaboration will be arriving very soon.In this article, we will take a look at the potential release date of the new skins and estimated price. We will also reveal the three skins that will come with the Fortnite collaboration.The next Fortnite x Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration will have three skinsThe first wave of Jujutsu Kaisen skins arrived in August 2023. It included five different skins, as well as an event pass. As always, the pass included both free and premium rewards, including Streetwear Yuji Itadori. According to Shiina, a veteran Fortnite leaker, the second wave will bring at least three skins: Save Up to $1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25! Pre-order now and save big with trade-in and Samsung credit. Limited time only! *Includes trade-in value + $300 Samsung credit. Ryomen SakunaMahitoToji FushiguroUnfortunately, the upcoming Fortnite x Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration doesnt have a release date yet. It hasnt been confirmed by Epic Games nor has it been leaked. However, considering that all the data for it was recently added, we expect it to come out before Chapter 6 Season 2, which is set to arrive on February 21.The first wave of the collaboration brought five skins. Image by VideoGamerThe prices of these skins have yet to be revealed, but based on previous releases, which were priced at 1,500 V-Bucks each, its likely the upcoming skins will be in a similar range. There have also been rumors about a potential new event pass, but this seems unlikely given the timing. Unless Epic launches the collaboration on Friday, February 7, the new skins will most likely be available in the Item Shop instead. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now Once Epic decrypts the collaboration, we will get more information about it and update the article. For now, only the skins have been leaked, while everything else is simply pure speculation. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerRelated TopicsFortnite Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

According to a 2020 report in Archinect, only 0.4 percent of licensed architects in the United States are Black women. Despite the global industry market value reaching $59 billion in 2024, a recent survey from Zippia revealed that only 1.5 percent of interior designers in the U.S. identify as Black or African-American. While the number of Black-led design firms and minority-owned studios gradually increases as more resources become available, its clear the design and architecture industry still has so much room for improvement when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the long run.In order to assess the state of the field today, we spoke with 27 designers and architects who are currently breaking barriers in the field. Not only have these women infiltrated a world that has historically excluded them, they are taking up space and sharing it for future generations to follow like the trailblazers that shifted the culture before them.Beauty Is Abundant founder Leah Alexander in the bedroom of one of her latest residential projects.MARC MAULDIN PHOTOGRAPHY INCLeah AlexanderWhen Leah Alexander started navigating her path in design, she wasnt intimidated by the exclusiveness or pretentiousness that deters so many others from entering the industry. Perhaps it was her being so green to the profession, but Alexander was profoundly moved by the level of intimacy woven through the relationships between designers, clients, and vendors. There was a different cadence of communication than the snooze-fest corporate per my last email vibe, she explains. I found myself in incredible homes, standing in clients bathrooms and closets, witnessing their vulnerability and the incredible power the industry possessed to make a significant differencean impactin impactful peoples lives.In 2018 Alexander founded the Atlanta-based interior design firm Beauty Is Abundant. (Since then, the firm has opened a second office in LA.) Even though she has earned a wide range of accolades over the years, those wins havent come without challenges. Running a business in its infancy during the pandemic was the wildest ride, emotionally, Alexander says. Knowing that Beauty Is Abundant was destined for success at its inception while managing the shock and uncertainty at the time was such an effortful dance.The AD PRO Directory designer is currently finishing the last room in her own home and working on another project that features the most gorgeous stained glass windows. Its my first time working with this stunning material; I cant wait to see the windows come to life!Architectural Digest: From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?Leah Alexander: The future of interior design looks and feels like Pharrell Williams becoming the mens creative director of Louis Vuitton. Stunning, brilliant deviations from what has beenrisky, edgy fresh perspectives being celebrated in big, official ways in perpetuitynot just for a spell here and there. Paradigms shifting, with the same necessary high level of discernment and requirements of excellence, but with relentless diversity and inclusion. Being a Black woman, with a unique, fresh design perspective and an increasingly edited, restrained yet expressive, colorful aesthetic that profoundly celebrates other Black artists, artisans, and vendors is my way of taking steps in the direction of what the future of design should look like.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC that are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?I have two important pieces of advice I live by every day. Start before youre ready. If you feel deeply inspired to pursue something, take action now. Scrolling, thinking, planning are fine, but the magic is in the doing. Send that email. Submit the application. Sign up for the masterclass. Go to that panel discussion (and ask a really good question during the Q&A).The other important design-specific thing is: Understand the players who make the industry. Designers, vendors, tradespeople, editorial friends, showrooms, builders, contractors, real estate agents, etc. Become obsessed with identifying where within those categories you might be happiest and obsessively and meaningfully nurture relationships with the people who can help make your dreams come true.The future of design is about embracing unique perspectives and experiences, and approaching design from that standpoint, says Danielle Colding. Your story is your strength. We need your unique vision and experience in this industry so that we can reach more people authentically.Photo: Brittany AmbridgeDanielle ColdingWhen Danielle Colding reflects on her career path, she realizes that her eye for design was more of a family inheritance. I spent my youth designingthink heavy DIY vibesmy childhood home with my mother, she explains. She had an eye for design, which she inherited from her own father who collected antiques, some of which I now have in my own home. She always asked my opinion and took my perspective seriously, which I now realize aided in building my confidence and honed my creative voice.Following careers as a dancer and teacher, Colding found herself circling back to design. The combination of creativity, problem solving, and shopping (with other peoples money!) had me hooked, she adds. After graduating from design school at FIDM in Los Angeles, Colding returned to New York City and did what any professional would do: apply for internships. I picked up the latest issue of AD, which profiled the top 100 design firms in the world, and contacted the New York practices starting with the letter A, she recalls. Once I made it to I, I was offered an internship at Irvine & Fleming on the Upper East Side. That opportunity morphed into my first official design job as a junior designer at the firm for the next four years.Colding has been running her own full-service interior design firm since 2006. At the moment, her biggest project is moving her family from NYC to the South of France, a change that she hopes will expand her global perspective as a designer. I am thrilled to change my current US-based lens for a global perspective and excited to see what opportunities will arise as a result, she says.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Danielle Colding: One of the main issues I have faced is in fact an economic one, exacerbated by issues around race. This industry is filled with people who are deeply connected to the communities and clients they work for which can create an insular environment centered on exclusivity and extensive, generational wealth. As a Black designer from a working-class background, I was not exposed to people with a history of working with designers. As a result, I often struggle to find clients who have the necessary means and/or understanding of what the business does and the costs associated.Wealthy people tend to hire wealthy designers in their own networks. Without such a network, it can be a real challenge to break in and get projects that allow us to show all that we are capable of. The systematic stripping of wealth from Black communities has had long term effects that impact those of us working in high-end industries.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?The future will need to center on new and flexible ways of working with clients. Not all jobs can be high end projects with seemingly limitless budgets as much as we may so desire. We need to find a way to have our services and expertise valued and paid for while being able to take on jobs that benefit communities beyond the 1%. The future relies on us democratizing design without sacrificing ourselves as designers. Beauty is central to the quality of our lives, and we are in deep need of inspiring, healing environments that the community at large can enjoy. We need to find a way to make that accessible while still honoring the craft and valuing the work that designers do.The design industry has changed so much since I started, says Anne Dereaux of Dereaux Studio. My team and I are constantly learningnew tools, new processes, often picking up a new program every year. The beauty of this shift is that theres now a wealth of knowledge available online, making it easier than ever to dive in and start building your skills.Photo: Alex HarperAnne DereauxAt the age of 15, Anne Dereaux was sure of her purpose: to be a builder of worlds through the practice of architecture. In 2001, she was accepted into the masters of architecture program at Tulane University in New Orleans. During her last year in the program, a life-changing event happened: Hurricane Katrina. The years that followed were spent with Kronberg U+A, an Atlanta-based firm, helping to rebuild New Orleans, Dereaux recalls. We worked on historically preserving and reconstructing over 70 structures across scattered sites, and that experience remains some of the most rewarding work of my career.Her first architecture internship at CallisonRTKL taught her that she was more interested in the intimacy of creating what Dereaux refers to as jewel boxes, residential and hospitality spaces at a smaller scale. My formative experiences ended up being with boutique design firms between Chicago, Atlanta, but mostly LA, that were no bigger than about 12 employees, she explains. Everyone had to master the design and building process from concept to development to completion, engineering coordination, interiors, and client management. The dirty all-hands-on-deck approach is my safe space, and it really taught me to carry projects from start to finish efficiently.Now based in LA, Dereaux intends to focus on the task of rebuilding the city with care and integrity following the devastating wildfires that have left thousands of people displaced. She views this as a continuation of a purpose-driven design journey that has guided her career. I never imagined Id be present for a city-leveling event twice in my lifetime, let alone have the opportunity to play a role in rebuilding communities that mean so much to me, Dereaux says. [Los Angeles] has given me so much, and now its my turn to give back by creating spaces that not only rebuild homes but also restore the spirit of this community.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Anne Dereaux: I was very specific about the firms and jobs I pursued. I was fortunate to work with and learn from some of the best in LA. But navigating those spaces often meant I was an outlier and sometimes misunderstood and overlooked. I had to become my own biggest advocate, whether it was for my salary, for opportunities to take on the types of projects I knew I needed, or simply to make my voice heard. It wasnt easy, but those challenges became fuel to prove that people like me not only belong in this industry but can thrive at the highest level.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?Access to great design needs to change, both for practitioners and for the end user. Im encouraged to see the industry starting to recognize the value of diverse perspectives and how they can elevate the quality of our built environments; and exposure to great design has the potential to amplify everyones creativity and growth. There are so many brilliant design minds coming from less traditional backgrounds, and social media is finally giving that talent a spotlight. For my part, Ive been fortunate to design homes and spaces with limitless budgets, and while that work is rewarding, theres a different kind of fulfillment when design becomes accessible to more people. This year, Im focused on making our furniture scalablea piece of great design that can sit in anyones home. Its one small way I can help bridge the gap and bring thoughtful design to more people.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC that are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?One thing Id recommend is taking time to explore the many paths within design; interiors, product design, architecture, lighting design, academia, interior architecture, etc. Each of these has different barriers to entry, and some can be just as lucrative and fulfilling as others while being easier to access. Also, dont be afraid to put yourself out there. Invite someone whose work you admire to lunch, have those conversations, and immerse yourself in the industry. And when you do step into this world, I cant stress enough how important it is to learn from experts before venturing out on your own. Homes are often the largest investments people make in their lives, and as designers, its our job to approach them with the utmost care and professionalism.Laura Hodges poses for a portrait.Photo: Michael P. H. CliffordLaura HodgesLike so many women that came before her, Laura Hodgess foundation for architecture and design was built on a childhood dollhouse handmade by her grandfather with curtains sewn by her grandmother. I always loved shopping for the tiny furniture and redesigning the rooms, she recalls. Growing up, she looked forward to returning to her familys hometown every summer and touring historic castles and churches throughout the English and French countryside.Although our family traveled a fair amount when I was young, I never really experienced interior design as a career path and thats why it took me a little while to find my way initially, Hodges explains. I wouldnt call it an obstacle so much as a learning curve. It wasnt until I looked into schools and degrees that I quickly realized just how incredibly layered and nuanced this industry can be.After earning a business degree from Five Towns College in 2000, Hodges decided to enroll at the New York School of Interior Design. During that period, she had the opportunity to intern for AD100 designer Jamie Drake, a fabulous experience that fundamentally shaped her education. In 2016, Hodges launched her own interior design firm based between Maryland and Washington, DC.Hodges is currently in the process of completing the redesign of some public spaces at the Government House of Maryland for Governor Wes Moore and his family, a unique opportunity that inspired her to create a modern take on the interiors while honoring its storied past. As the designer further elaborates, Each room tells the story of Marylands history both through the preserved and elevated architectural details and the refreshed interior furnishings and decor that reflect the diversity of the local community. Shes also excited about building a new design studio that will feature a caf, which she described as a wonderful example of not only the spaces we create but also the welcoming hospitality of our team.Architectural Digest: From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?Laura Hodges: I would love to see interior design start to feel more personalized and accessible for a wider range of style and taste. We still mostly see a curated vision of design that reflects a very Western taste. Admittedly, that is my point of view as well, but when I have the opportunity to expand that view and have clients with ideas or style that pushes those boundaries, that can be very inspiring. I think the changes would start from more visibility of other cultures and design styles, not just represented as decor within a Western home but truly celebrated within their own context.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC that are interested in design but don't know how or where to start?I would suggest diving into design in all realms, from visiting the historical rooms in art museums and architecturally important buildings, to seeking mentorships or internships with local architecture and design studios and traveling abroad whenever possible. A design degree is hugely important, but if thats not possible, internships to learn the trade are the best place to start.NeKeia McSwain is the definition of living in style.Photo: Rayon RichardsNeKeia McSwainDesign has played a significant role in NeKeia Keia McSwains life since she was a child. I fondly remember watching my mother create a welcoming home, changing out drapes with the seasons and updating my bedroom with fresh wallpaper, she recalls. This journey hasnt been so much about reinventing myself through design; rather, it being about finding renewal and inspiration within it.Mentorship was the key that ultimately opened the door for McSwain in the design world after pivoting from teaching kindergarteners to working in the kitchen and bath industry. When I met my former mentor [Kimberly Ward], there was a mutual understanding regarding just how little this industry reflected young black women, she explains. I was eager to show how committed I was to learning and growing. McSwain was determined to become an exceptional interior and product designerher dream to make this passion a full-time profession would not be deferred.In addition to running her own luxury interior design firm between Louisiana and Colorado, McSwain is the president of Black Interior Designers, Inc, which has partnered with AD on Iconic Home virtual showhouse. In 2023, BID Inc. also published the book Iconic Home: Interiors, Advice, and Stories from 50 Amazing Black Designers. Going into 2025, McSwain is most adamant about pursuing creative projects with no boundaries. My main priority is focusing my energy on clients who feel they cant accomplish their desired outcome without my expertise, she says.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?NeKeia McSwain: The greatest obstacle Ive faced over the years has been trusting myself and the desire to attain perfection. Ultimately, no one can hold you back but you. In this industry, nothing is guaranteed, there will always be the need to pivot, and the best approach any designer can take is to let your work speak for itself.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?The future of design would appear to be moving toward greater inclusivity. Less elitism and more embracing a wider range of talent is what my point of view looks like. I pray to see more designers focus on their innate creativity, and less comparison to others, while exploring ideas beyond the constraints of current trends.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC that are interested in design but don't know how or where to start?Id advise anyone who loves this industry as much as I do to approach it with an open mind and unwavering passion. Remember, the goal of winning should always take a backseat to the goal of growth and learning.I have worked extremely hard, says AD100 designer Joy Moyler. Many may disagree, but regarding your career, I am a strong believer in Nothing you truly have your heart in should be easy. If it is, you arent working hard enough.Joy MoylerBefore settling on design and architecture, Joy Moyler considered many other career fields like forensics, entertainment law, and journalism. Its my constant questioning nature to unravel, explore and solve problems, she says. As a born and bred New Yorker, the city has been more like a lifelong university with architectural landmarks like The Museum of Metropolitan Art serving as her design North Star.After decades of grinding at firms like Skidmore Owings & Merrill and Kohn Pederson Fox, Moyler established an award-winning design firm of her own in 2011. Nearly a decade later, she was named as an AD100 designer. In addition to giving residential properties for A-listers her signature classic and crisp touch of modernity, Moyer has spearheaded interior projects for global fashion houses like Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani.Lately, Moyler has been carving out more time for writing projects (she has a Homes & Gardens column and is also a contributing editor for Veranda Magazine), philanthropic work for Housing Works and Kips Bay, and other lifestyle concierge services. I am always keeping my eyes and ears peeled for new opportunities as I am constantly curious about design and letting it all just flow, she adds. I still want to do everything!Architectural Digest: How and when did you get your foot in the door?Joy Moyler: I walked my whole body through the door! Prepared to give it my all. My first job during college was working at The New York Times, in their in-house interior design department. I also organized the library of fashion and reference books for Carrie Donovan, the fashion icon and style editor, and Paul Goldberger, the architecture critic. That was the start of combining fashion and architecture in my career, knowing they could coexist, as I couldnt separate one from the other.What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?Since the George Floyd murder, there has been wider access, visibility and opportunities for BIPOC designers. Many who would never before have been seen. For years I have long mentored designers of color and am thrilled to see the development of their careers. The torch has been passed. They just have to keep on running with it and pass it on. We have to constantly create environments rich in diversity, shared experiences, and perspectives which enrich all of us collectively.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC that are interested in design but don't know how or where to start?I get thrown when new designers of the last 15 years say I didnt see anyone in the industry who looked like me. That tells me you werent really looking. When my career started over 35 years ago, I sought African American architects and designers and found themand I am famous for encouraging young designers to study their craft. Clients are expecting you to know your craft and are paying for that. Take classeseverything cannot be learned on site. Clients know when you are BSing.My style and my designs have been called too niche and not mainstream time and time again, says Justina Blakeney. I overcame that by building my own community, so that I could prove to clients and partners that there is a market for my design style and sensibility.Photo: Jenna PeffleyJustina BlakeneyLike most creative breeds, Justina Blakeney developed an interest in design early in life. The multihyphenate recalls having a passion for arts and crafts, shopping at flea markets, and redecorating her childhood bedroom. This curiosity about the cultural and anthropological aspects of design only deepened while Blakeney was studying at UCLA. After graduating in 2001, she moved to Italy to pursue a career in fashion design, followed by opening a boutique with her older sister, Faith. Once she returned to her native California, Blakeney started a design blog that has since evolved into a design brand known as Jungalow.For the most part, Ive always built my own doors to step through, she explains. Ive always had an entrepreneurial spirit. And, while there were a lot of people who supported me and believed in me along the way, there was no clear single moment that I would identify as the moment that I got my foot in the door. It was a way more gradual process, with my fair share of setbacks and failures and trial and error to finally gain some traction in the design world.In addition to providing hundreds of thousands of people with products to enrich their home life, Blakeney has published a series of best-selling books, The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes and The New Bohemians: Come Home to Good Vibes. In 2023, she made her official debut on the AD100 list. For Blakeney, design continues to serve as a vehicle to imbue the world with more beauty and compassion. Stay tuned for new products from the Opalhouse designed with Jungalow collaboration for Target, along with some exciting artistic collaborations with iconic brands and cultural institutions.Architectural Digest: From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?Justina Blakeney: The future of design holds so much potential for positive transformation that is not only beautiful but also sustainable, diverse, thoughtful, and heart-led. I would like to see prioritization of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient practices, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact but also innovation of ways to work with Mother Nature, instead of against her.I would like to see thoughtful design with conscious consideration of the social, ethical, and emotional implications of projects. I would like to see more diversity and more representation. I also believe in giving back through mentorship and through sharing my experiences and learnings with people openly to hopefully help them avoid some of the pitfalls I ran into and to help folks move with confidence into and through the design world.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?I would suggest blocking off a couple of hours every single day to practice your art and share it with (at least) one person. Thats what I call planting seeds, and that could mean so many different thingsmaybe youre styling a corner in your own home, taking some photos and sharing it with your family or your coworkers. Maybe youre designing a room inspired by your favorite interior designer and sharing it with them via Instagram. Maybe you are helping your best friend pick out wallpaper for her home and then asking her if you could help her style and shoot it once it gets installed.Pushing yourself to get out of your head and just create and share, in my experience, is how you grow. Through practices like these you find your voice and you build connections with people who may be future clients/partners/employers or even employees! Then you continue to nourish the seeds, and soon they sprout and, eventually, blossom.Never doubt yourself, says AIA president Kimberly Dowdell. Know that you have an important perspective to bring to your work. Determine what you want to accomplish as a professional and relentlessly pursue your mission. Find a mentor and dont be afraid to ask any questions that you have.Kimberly DowdellFrom a young age, the academic Kimberly Dowdell recognized the power of design. In fact, it was an art class in middle school that completely shifted her world view on the field of architecture. Our teacher tasked us with creating a mini apartment model within a shoebox, she recalls. The process of making design choices to drive how the mini residents would navigate that small space unlocked a new understanding of how architecture could facilitate larger changes.Growing up in Detroit during the early 90s, Dowdell was constantly exposed to the citys abandoned and neglected buildings which inspired her to pursue a career path in architecture in order to drive positive change. I initially aspired to become a doctor, but shifted to becoming an architect in an effort to help heal my community through enhancing the built environment, she says. After attending Cranbrook Kingswood to foster her aspirations, Dowdell pursued a degree at Cornell Universitys College of Architecture, Art, and Planning.Dowdell currently serves as the national president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). As the first Black woman to hold this position, shes excited to have the opportunity to hold space for conversations around what architects can do to improve society. Shes also driven by a duty to improve health outcomes and health equity, and wants to empower architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public amidst other pressing issues. She credits much of her success to the support of her academic community, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and AIA.Architectural Digest: From your point of view, what should the future of design look like?Kimberly Dowdell: The future of architectural design will reflect the talent that is attracted and retained in the profession of architecture. This is why I believe that it is very important to cultivate a diverse pool of talent that represents the brightest and best creative intellectuals available. One of the reasons why I am very focused on improving the economic outlook for architects is because we need strong talent from all walks of life, not just those who are from backgrounds of financial privilege that can afford to pursue architecture.The next generation of architects, coupled with yet to be seen technological advances, will drive what we see in the built environment. In an ideal future scenario, the diversity of architects will reflect the communities that are being served (namely all communities), and the future of design will be dynamic, flexible, regenerative, sustainable, equitable and artful. At its best, architecture elevates the human experience. My hope is that the future of design does just that.What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?It has been disappointing to see the disparities that exist in the profession of architecture relative to diverse representation. This is part of the reason why I decided to run for AIA President in 2022. AIA was founded in 1857 and had never had a Black woman serve as president. I felt that it was time for that particular milestone to be met, and I hope that other meaningful milestones are met and surpassed as a result. It is more challenging to recruit and retain diverse talent in our field when leaders from diverse backgrounds are not present. Thus, an obstacle that exists to this day is diversifying the profession of architecture, including at the leadership levels, which contributes to some of the challenges that we see not only in our field, but also in the built environment.What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?A significant change I would like to see is the elevation of the value of architecture. Specifically, I want the compensation of architects to increase in recognition of the importance of quality design solutions for the benefit of our collective built environment. On average, an architects compensation is lower than commonly assumed, especially considering the extensive time and expense required for education and licensure, currently averaging more than 13 years to become an architect.In contrast, professionals like physicians and lawyers, with similarly demanding pathways, often start with considerably higher salaries. For those from under-resourced backgrounds, this financial barrier can be a major deterrent to pursuing architecture as a profession. I believe that it is vital to the future of the architectural profession and the built environment that architects are compensated fairly for the expertise that we offer and the value that we create for our communities.Learn the vocabulary, do your research, and learn the art of design, says Monet Masters. Most importantly, put in the work.Photo: Forbes MastersTavia Forbes & Monet MastersDespite being the daughter of a furniture maker turned cabinet designer, Tavia Forbes wasnt fully sold on committing to a career in design until she started watching Vern Yip on TLCs Trading Spaces. As for Monet Masters, her innate nature to walk into a space and immediately take notice of its story through details like interior architecture to the choice of pillows is proof that she was destined to be a designer. As fate would have it, their paths would eventually cross on a client project. After enough professional overlap, Forbes and Masters decided to get into business together and thats how their luxury interior design studio was born.Specializing in conceptualizing and planning spaces, managing projects, and sourcing and staging custom furnishings, Forbes Masters has all the bases covered for homeowners and property managers alike. In 2023, they collaborated on a special collection with Ruggable and AD. With another CB2 Black in Design collection on the horizon, this is looking like an even more abundant year for the dynamic design duo. In 2024 we are looking forward to more collaborations to showcase our unique design point of view, they share.Architectural Digest: How and when did you get your foot in the door?Monet Masters: I was committed to being successful in the industry. I became relentless and while establishing my business and brand I advertised my technical skills like renderings and digital moodboards on social media. I was making passive income creating renderings and digital mood boards for seasoned designers. One day, Ebony magazine invited me to feature a curated look for an article titled Spring Revival and in April/May of 2016 Mikel Welch and I were the two designers selected to share our design direction on how to refresh your home.Tavia Forbes: I had just given two weeks notice and was helping with wedding event design and a book launch event, and thats where I met my mentor, Myleik Teele. She encouraged me and validated my talent for design and then she hired me to design her townhouse. My business grew from personal referrals from designing her home.What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?MM: Partnership and working together was the very first obstacle, but the biggest obstacle is similar to Black women in all industries getting paid your worth. Putting more effort in proving my worth as a Black woman designer. We both have stories of being undervalued and most of our clients have not worked with a designer in the past so we are educating clients on the process, and our journey is not as similar to other designers. As an entrepreneur with a creative mind, handling all aspects of a business is difficult and especially the financial, legal, and contractual aspects.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?TF: Some of the changes are already happening. Clients are embracing more of their personal style. Styles are more global and inspired by art. There has been a shift from the design in the early 2000s of long standing standardized beige spaces. The future of design should be more diverse in who has access to design as well as who provides design services. Cultural diversity was seen in the past as aspects or props of other designs with no connection.MM: The future should provide intentional, sustainable, and higher quality products that have a story of where they came from and the artisans who created them. Our vision is that the future of design will have a long lasting inheritable quality. Done with McMansions, done with beige. The future of design incorporates old items, antiques, mixing them with new pieces and expanding palettes. We have so much access to information we can look backwards in history and are exposed to the history of design which translates to sophisticated mixing of eras.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?TF: We have so many technologies available to assist in interior design. You should just start showing your talent by designing rooms, having them digitally rendered, having something to visually show your aesthetic. Dive into the process of design. Gain experience. Learn technical skills about construction or how things are made, or if you want to be an entrepreneur minor in business. Get your feet wet.Design transcends artistic expression, says Sandra Githinji. It is a vocation, fundamentally centered on people. It operates as a unique spatial language, fostering a symbiotic relationship between individuals and their environment. It is this profound interdependence between people and space that has ignited my passion for design.Photo: Michaela BarcaSandra GithinjiBy the age of 10, Sandra Githinji was certain that she would pursue a creative career in art, design, or architecture. My interest is driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully, rectify existing shortcomings, and amplify diverse modes of the embodied experience, she explains. This recognition of design as a dynamic force for enhancing the human lived experience has been the initial spark that continues to fuel my enthusiasm for this creative discipline. After graduating from RMIT University in 2016, Githinjis career as an interior designer began when she was hired to work at notable architecture firms across Asia Pacific.It was only in recent years that her perspective on design evolved as she started to differentiate design practice from an artistic pursuit and activated a full-on transformation. After suffering from a bad case of burnout, Githinji decided to resign and establish her own design practice. This particular career move marked a defining moment, a true arrival in my role as an interdisciplinary designer, she says. Beyond the challenges, it presented an invaluable opportunity for me to redefine the essence of a design practice. In the aftermath of resigning, I found the freedom to reimagine what design meant to me personally. It became more than just a professional career and became an avenue for me to explore the intersections of cultural histories, pedagogy, activism, and the built form.Last year, Githinji collaborated on a collection with the Black in Design Collective for CB2. Shes looking forward to engaging in more collaborations in community. Githinji is currently embarking on a PhD through RMIT University and seeking opportunities that align with her academic pursuits. As far as craft is concerned, Githinji will continue to direct all of her efforts toward Africa. I am keen on forging potential partnerships with cultural organizations, artisans, and story-tellers to enhance the work and also create accessibility for these pieces within sub-Saharan Africa, she adds. Githinji also hopes to secure a hotel project so she can combine her expertise in interior design with a focus on furniture, lighting, and object design.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Sandra Githinji: In navigating my career path, Ive encountered several external obstacles, however a significant challenge has been letting go of the need for self-explanation. I now prioritize connecting with those who resonate with my perspective, recognizing that translation risks losing essential elements in the process.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?The future of design should embody a contextual approach, where creativity is intertwined with the specific needs, values, and cultural nuances of the audience or community it serves. Contextual design recognizes the importance of understanding the unique environment in which a product or solution will exist, ensuring that it not only meets functional requirements but also resonates with the people its designed for. This shift towards broadening design perspectives fosters innovation and ensures that designs are relevant and accessible to a diverse global audience.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but don't know how or where to start?My foremost advice would be to embark on a journey of self-initiated learning. Your unique lived experiences and cultural context are invaluable assets that can serve as a powerful starting point and unfortunately will not always be present in the current western canon of education. This self-awareness is your superpower in the design world, setting you apart and providing a foundation for creating designs that resonate authentically. Consider it a form of design rooted in personal narrative, a narrative that is inherently compelling and distinctive.Bringing your full self to the work is something I learned from Nana Biamah-Ofosu. Embrace and celebrate your identity, as it is a dynamic force that can shape innovative, culturally resonant designs. Avoid the pressure to conform to pre-existing design norms; instead, use your perspective to question paradigms and challenge assumptions. I would also advise them to seek out mentors and role models who share similar backgrounds. Connecting with individuals who have navigated similar paths can provide valuable guidance, insights, and a sense of community.Lastly, to remember that their journey as a BIPOC designer is unique, and its okay to carve out your own path. Embrace the challenges and leverage your culture, heritage, stories and lived experience as a source of strength and creativity. By doing so, you not only enrich the field of design with diverse perspectives but also pave the way for future generations of BIPOC designers to thrive.I try not to look too far ahead, says Delia Kenza. I am learning to take things day by day, to appreciate the little moments more.Photo: Nick GliminekisDelia KenzaWhen Delia Kenza reflects on where the seed of interest in design was planted, she points to her grandmother. Her home was beautifully designed and I loved the details, from the orange shag rug stair runner to the kelly green silk sofa, Kenza recalls. I wanted to live like her. Once she eventually had a homeand familyof her own, Kenza did just that. Little did she know that renovating her Brooklyn townhouse into a contemporary masterpiece would steer her away from a law career once friends (and neighbors) quickly took notice of her raw talent for design.My dear friend, Maxine, loved the first home I designed for my family. Whenever she visited, she would say, When I buy another place, I will need you to design it, Kenza shares. True to her word, she purchased another home and gave me a credit card. No budget was formally discussed, but I had an idea because we were close friends. She went away for a few months, came back, and loved the space. She continues to be one of my biggest supporters. The New York designer continues to relish in creating more beautiful spaces that reflect each clients creative taste along with designing custom bespoke pieces further down the pipeline.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Delia Kenza: There have been plenty, and I embrace them. It is part of the course. However, my biggest obstacle has been billing and how to price a project. I was so happy people paid me to do what I loved; and sometimes its easy to forget that its a business.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?I would like design to be less judgy and more authentic. We all live differently, have different styles, and different budgets. A beautiful home is one well-lived and can take several forms. Also, Im not too fond of trends; design is like art to me. They say you should buy the art you love, and that is the same in design: Buy what you love. There can often be too much of the same.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?I always say start. That may annoy some people. They may get the impression I am gatekeeping some essential information. But I am not. Im serious when I say start. Again, it goes to my point of not feeling judged. Start where you are, be willing to make mistakes, and keep it original. The world needs more authenticity.Little Wing Lee poses for a portrait at Black Folks in Designs Spotlight II exhibition at VERSO in New York City.Photo: Kelly MarshallLittle Wing LeeAs the daughter of a modern dancer, considering how space should feel was ingrained in Little Wing Lee. Naturally, this instilled her with a strong appreciation for how the combination of spaces, objects, and nature could create a beautiful environmentand a love for texture, color, and pattern. Lees professional career in design formally began while she was in grad school at Pratt. Eric Daniels brought me into his architecture practice upon graduation to work as an interior designer, she says. And the late Hazel Seigel connected me to Architex, for whom I was able to design a textile, and subsequently made the introduction to me at SOM, where I went on to work.After leading the design team at Atelier Ace, she founded her own design firm, Studio & Projects. In 2017, Lee established Black Folks in Design as a professional network to connect Black designers across disciplines and provide more portfolio-building opportunities. (Expect more activations in 2024, including an exhibition abroad.) The newly inducted AD100 designer has an ongoing partnership with Odabashian and debuted a lighting collection with RBW last year. In terms of projects, shes busy with new residential opportunities, an almost completed restaurant, a new hotel in an amazing historic building, and the opening of Ray Harlem and National Black Theatre.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Little Wing Lee: Of course, as with all people, there are the usual obstacles to overcome as you forge your path to build a career in design. As a Black woman, there is the additional wondering about what assumptions some people are making about a person like me. I do sometimes find myself questioning what opportunities and access I am missing out on, or what barriers and obstacles I am facing that I may not even be aware of. Like any designer I simply want equity in terms of the options, choices, and freedom to design spaces and objects without limitations or preconceptions.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?First and foremost, I would like to see an expansion of the design canon. I am beginning to believe that we may be seeing the envelope opening. There is evidence that voices of women, Black folks, and other people of color are being recognized and included in conversations across design disciplines. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done around this, but I do find reason for hope. Black designers are here and have been working. The talent is there and has always been there. But theres been a kind of negligence in regards to learning about, highlighting, and hiring those designers. Celebrating and elevating Black design talent is the reason I founded Black Folks in Design.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?In most respects, I would give them the same advice Id give to anyone. See as much as you can. Read books, visit museums, take a walk on the beach, look through your grandmothers collection of photographs, watch films, look at the phases of the moonsimply be present in the world as much as you are able. Curiosity can truly be the greatest inspiration for you and your designs. Trust your intuition and instincts. And finally, find your community. You need to have a group of people on your board of directors to give you insights, advice, and share knowledge along the path of your career.Gaining others confidence as a designer and not letting their doubt overcome me was tough, says Jade McNeil. But at every obstacle, I pushed through others preconceived notions of me to create the amazing designs that I knew I could, leaving everyone nothing but happy.Photo: Nick GlimenakisJade McNeilWhen Jade McNeil reflects on some of her earliest design memories, all roads lead back to the bathroom. As a kid, I would beg my mom to take me to the bathroom at a restaurant so I could see how it was designed, she explains. I would spend more time setting up my dolls houses than actually playing with them; and driving around new neighborhoods, I was always so curious about what different houses looked like on the insideall the signs were there! But despite the curiosity, McNeil wouldnt entertain the idea of becoming an interior designer for another decade.Growing up, I didnt know any interior designers, didnt see any that looked like me, and didnt know that that was an option for a career path, she says. While studying undergrad at UCLA, McNeil found herself completely absorbed in the process of decorating her dorms and apartments. I found myself constantly reading all of the major design magazines and watching home renovation shows, she continues. I realized I loved interior design enough to make it my career. After I received my first degree, I wanted to switch gears and explore interior design as a passion and career path. Since then, McNeil has spent the past decade working on residential and commercial projects in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, D.C., Connecticut, and New Jersey.After going from working at a start-up firm in Los Angeles to a large residential design firm in New York City, she decided to establish her own namesake luxury interior design firm in 2020. While the transition came with its challenges, McNeil had years of experience along with a Rolodex of industry connections and clients who were eager to work with her. By utilizing a design approach that incorporates societal and cultural themes, McNeils projects are a beautiful medley of soulful modern interiors. This year, the interior designer is most excited to dive deeper into the territory of home gut renovations.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Jade McNeil: There are obstacles every day, thats part of being a designer. We are constantly problem-solving and putting out the fires. The biggest obstacle for me was, in the beginning of my career, I really felt like I had to go the extra mile to earn peoples respect as a Black woman entering the world of interior design. There was a constant need to prove myself as an interior designer and convince clients and tradespeople to take me seriously.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?I want the future of design to show a unique perspective, inclusive design experience, and for each space and project to look uniquely different from the next. As a society, we are heavily focused on whats currently trending and, as a result, a lot of projects start to look alike. Then the uniqueness of each space and of those who will be using it tends to get lostbe it the same materials, furnishings, artwork, and so on. Id like to see design become more personal and accessible for everyone.Interior design is important, as our environments and surroundings affect our daily lives, our moods, and our habits. A well-designed home is something everyone deserves and should have access to. Im a firm believer that our homes should work for our lifestyles and reflect our individuality. When our homes bridge the gap of gorgeous materials and maximum functionality, we get to live a life of beautiful ease. Who doesnt want that?What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?Honestly, just start. Take some classes, get an internship, practice designing for yourself and your friends, and take lots of photos before/during/after to post online. With interior design, its not all you see from the outside. It takes work. So my advice to anyone interested in interior design would be to get your feet wet and see if its really for you.If you have a passion, a point of view, and something to say in design, dont let anyone stop you, Brigette Romanek says.Photo: Michael CliffordBrigette RomanekContrary to what you might have believed, Brigette Romanek didnt plan to become the design worlds next big star. Her interest in the medium formed organically out of a need to feel safe in her own environment and wanting others to feel the same. Living in Hollywood, the door practically opened itself, and the opportunities were endless: I had an event at my house; people came, and then someone asked me for help because they liked what I had done!Since then, shes stacked up quite the Rolodex of A-list clients, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonc. Romanek has also elevated a number of commercial and retail spaces from Beverly Hills to New York City. In 2023, the AD100 designer published her debut book, Livable Luxe, which is a must-have for every coffee table. Romanek Design Studio is currently working on a boutique hotel in Los Angeles, a ground-up residential condo building in New York, and special collections for Loloi and Crate & Barrel, and Our Place.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Brigette Romanek: I was told to my face that, even though they liked my work, I didnt get the job because of the color of my skin. Believe it or not, that really happened! Where it could have made me feel defeated and made me think, Why should I even try? it pushed me. It pushed me to work harder and not give up. I wasnt going to be defined by someone who didnt give me a chance strictly based on nothing more than the color of my skin.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?That the future of design would look as rich and diverse as the world we live in. That the biggest obstacle the designer faces is if their clients will like the furniture choices.Focus on the business before the design, Muse Noire Interiors founder Ashley Ross says. Your design aesthetic and the scale and polish of projects will all evolve over time, but a strong understanding of the business will carry you further, faster, and longer.Photo: Camille HughesAshley RossMost first-generation homeowners would be overwhelmed by the process, but when Ashley Ross was going through this experience with her now husband, it ignited something inside of her. Following the birth of their daughter in 2018, Ross felt inspired to take a leap of faith and leave behind her executive director role at a national nonprofit. I refer to Naomi as the real muse because her existence is what gave me the courage to pursue interior design with full force, she says. Her nursery was the first space in our home that was finished and designed with intention. From there, I worked on other spaces in our home and quickly realized that there was a heavily understated wellness component to interior design, and I wanted to explore it.In 2019, Ross founded Muse Noire Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina. The interior designer believes that style is ever evolving, and follows an approach that leans into a design aesthetic of shared experiences. At the moment, Ross is wrapping up a handful of home projects along with a historic preservation project to restore an old segregated school that will be turned into a museum for the community.Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?Ashley Ross: Ive struggled a bit with capital before taking the leap to self-finance when it was time to scale the business. But like most Black-owned businesses, the biggest challenge came from within. I struggled with juggling all that I do (wife, mom, business owner) right as I retired from corporate America. I thought I was ready to take on Muse Noire full-time and I was! In all the ways that my business coach and I had discussed, but a month into full-time entrepreneurship, I knew I needed to add a therapist to the roster of coaches. I felt this debilitating wave of doubt and grief for the life I knew.Up until that point, I had walked a very traditional line: undergrad, graduate school, launched a career in the field I actually went to school for. I didnt want to let myself down and, as for my incredibly supportive private-wealth-advising husband, I knew the numbers had to continue making sense. Business was not slow at the time, so the panic was man-made, but I am grateful that it pushed me to professional help. I am not sure how anyone owns a business without some form of therapeutic consultation. I communicate with clients better because of my therapist, I can override my risk-averse settings because of her, alongside several other things we were able to unpack. Lets just say Muse Noire would have closed in 2021 had it not been for therapy.From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?Wow! What a question. I have to default to our vision statement, which reads: Founded in the idea of interior wellness, our pursuit is to redefine home for generations to come. By unveiling the interconnectedness between interior design and our well-being, Muse Noire aims to place a revolutionary emphasis on ensuring people of color feel safe and seen in our homes. I mean this from the bottom of my heart.The future of design must explore BIPOC designers and their perspectives beyond those whose design aesthetic speaks to the traditional European nods of the industry. It often feels like, if you assimilate, if you water down your authentic experience and how that translates into your work, well acknowledge you. When to see someone creatively, I mean really see them, is to get about the business of enlightenment. Get to know the stories and acknowledge them at face value in an equitable way.Naturally, Black people are tastemakers. I dont believe theres a trend or aesthetic that we dont have our hand in the creation of, but its not always packaged and sold that way. So to not be seen or heard in a way that equates to great success for the design industryit often feels like revisionist history. Through my work with High Point Market Authority as a founding member of their Diversity Advocacy Alliance, weve chipped away at this through education and recognition initiatives.Running a business isnt for the faintheartedits extremely hard and time-consuming and, most of all, you make mistakes, Duett Interiors founder Tiffany Thompson says. Im lucky I was able to work for a corporation for 10 years to make mistakes behind the scenes, but when you are running your own business, every mistake falls on you. Having to change my mindset from being a designer that had a business to being a business owner that was in the design industry. Its a major difference in your mindset and how you look at success.Photo: James BesterTiffany ThompsonFor Tiffany Thompson, design is all about crafting spaces that evoke the right emotion and aesthetic. From her childhood home in Queens, New York, to her dorm room at Barry University in Miami, and now her home in Portland, Oregon, the designer always demonstrated the ability to curate a space that feels like an escape from the outside world. During her tenure at Nike Inc. while working on product design, Thompson couldnt help but notice the lack of creative inspiration within the corporate space.I pitched a makeover proposal that I would redesign the space over the course of some months on the weekends when I wasnt working, she recalls. I didnt ask for compensation. I just wanted to bring our design team together. No one had a gathering space that felt comfortable that ideas could flow in and would represent us as a team. I pitched it, my manager approved, and thats how it all started.Since debuting as Duett Interiors in 2019, Thompson has worked with a number of clients on residential properties. In addition to renovating her own midcentury-modern house, Thompson is currently designing Cure Nail House, a Black-owned luxury nail salon in Detroit. We are really flipping the head on what a salon can look and feel like and how we can dive into our creative voices, she adds.Architectural Digest: From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?Tiffany Thompson: The future of design should give the customer better options. I think a lot of bad design is actually a lack of choice. The industry and the buyers are placing bad design in the stores and the average consumer; thats all that is at their fingertips, and so they are forced to buy something from a mediocre assortment. A lot of the comments I get from people are, Where is that form? What is that called? I blame TV for a lot of it, but I think we need to reeducate people on what great design is and how they can make it their own.What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but dont know how or where to start?Find your voice. Try to find it early on. Dont worry about there not being a lot of us in this industry, but instead, try to figure out how you can help with that narrative and also how you can do your part. Sometimes its hard to feel like you can be successful in an industry that lacks representation, but you have to do your part and, ultimately, you have to make some design some really cool s***. Let the work speak for itself and success will find you, whatever that may look like for every individual.

Democrats Should Be Stopping A Lawless President, Not Helping Censor The Internet, Honestly WTF Are They Thinkingfrom the missing-the-moment deptWed, Feb 5th 2025 03:36pm - Cathy GellisIt has long been clear that the GOP, as it is today, has a death wish for our Constitutional order, but thats a subject for another post. Whats more relevant is that, at this point, one could easily construe that Democrats would like our Constitution to die too. In part because of how enfeebled they have so far been in resisting the lawlessness exhibited by the Article II branch of our governmentalthough that, too, is a subject for another post. (Standing against the Vought OMB nomination, and slowing his appointment process, is good. But its not enough, and even though its a good start, it doesnt forgive all the missed opportunities to slow the damage everyone could see coming from a mile away and provide the leadership needed to assure the public that they had their back so that the public could then, in turn, back them.)What is a subject for this post is how, in bizarrely continuing with any sort of normal order in the face of an actual coup taking place under their nosesliterally right down the streetthe thing that they are trying to do with normal order is censor the Internet.It is suicidal idiocy to do either of these things, let alone both. There is no political math that could justify Democrats not only not doing everything in their power to defend Congresss Article I powers, but then using those powers in ways the First Amendment expressly tells them they cant.And yet that is what at least some Senate Democrats have gone and done by moving forward KOSMA. The bill, which is a bi-partisan bill initially pushed by Democratic Senator Brian Schatz (in partnership with fellow Dem Chris Murphy, along with Republicans Ted Cruz and Katie Britt) is sort of a an attempt to create a more palatable version of KOSA, but which is still a censorship bill at its core. KOSMA reared its ugly head again this morning in a Senate mark-up session and passed through it easily with Democrat support and no debate at all (barely even a mention of it). And even if some of that support may have been superficially pro forma, to move the Senate along so that it could get to addressing the larger issues at hand, any support was still too much support for what this bill proposes to do.Because what this bill intentionally proposes to do is the same extreme thing that KOSA proposed to do: censor the internet for young people. And yet Congress would attempt to take such drastic legislative steps despite, or, in the case of the GOP supporters, perhaps because of, how much of an incursion it is on the rights of so many: the teenagers themselves, all the adult Internet users who will be impacted, and all the Internet speakers who now wont be able to speak if this law hits the books.When kids parents are being fired from government jobs, their friends rounded up, their schools forced to be racist, and the democracy they were promised to grow up in fully imperiled, it is the height of lunacy for any Democrat (looking at you, Senatosr Cantwell, Schatz & Murphy, but thankfully not you, Senator Markey) to think that they are thinking of the children by doing the Internet equivalent of banning their books. Not just because there are so many bigger fish to fry, especially right now, if we really cared about their interests, but because by censoring the Internet we are taking away everyones tools to be able to organize and fight the true danger at our door.To support it is just dumb, in so many ways. After all, Democrats should know better: way too many had joined the push to ban TikTok, and we saw how stupidly (and unconstitutionally) that move worked out. And when the Trump Administration is blithely ignoring laws en masse it makes no sense to give his election denying henchman Pam Bondi and her DOJ a fresh new one that they can wield against anyone they see as a threat to Trumpian power. But all that is not even the end of problems with Democratic support for this bill.The bigger problem Democrats need to recognize, and fast, is that it teaches the electorateassuming we ever again have another free and fair election, which is currently not looking promisingthat Democrats dont really care very much about the Constitutional order Trump is actively destroying any more than he does. Which means that, for those who would want to resist this lawless president and his open threats to the limitations on government power the Constitution prescribes, there will be no one to vote for to stand up for its defense.Because pushing these unconstitutional laws, or even simply nudging them through a markup session, especially while seeming to ignore the grossly unconstitutional actions of the Trump Administration, tells the public that if they want to choose someone who cares about the limitations the Constitution places on government power they cant choose Democrats to respect them any more than they can choose anyone in the GOP. But without being able to elect either party to defend our democracy it will be game over for it. And the kids will now have an even bigger problem to deal with than the Internet.Filed Under: censorship, coup, democrats, free speech, gop, kids, kosa, kosma, think of the children

By Thomas EscrittBERLIN (Reuters) Activist groups have sued Elon Musks social media platform X in a Berlin court, accusing it of breaking European law by not giving them the information they need to track disinformation online ahead of Germanys Feb. 23 national election.The two groups the Society for Civil Rights (GFF) and Democracy Reporting International said X was not providing systematic access to data like the reach of posts and the number of likes and shares they got.Other platforms have granted us access to systematically track public debates on their platforms, but X has refused to do so, said DRIs Michael Meyer-Resende in a statement on Wednesday, announcing the lawsuit.The groups say they have the right to receive this data under the terms of the European Unions Digital Services Act. X did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.Authorities throughout Europe have been on high alert for evidence of systematic online disinformation or operations seeking to sway elections, especially since last years later annulled presidential election in Romania, where a pro-Russian candidate won a shock first-round victory after what authorities said was a Russian-steered social media campaign. Moscow denied interference.In the case of X, still used by much of the German government and political class despite some recent departures, the question is lent added urgency by Musks recent endorsement of the German far right.Platforms are increasingly being weaponised against democratic elections, added GFFs Simone Ruf. We must defend ourselves.Since his takeover of the former Twitter, Musk has shut down most of the access routes by which researchers were in the past able to track the spread of information on the platform, converting that access into a charged-for service.The worlds richest person, now leading U.S. President Donald Trumps efforts to slim and purge the U.S. federal government, hosted the far-right Alternative for Germanys leader Alice Weidel for an interview on X in January, posting: Only the AfD can save Germany!(Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Mark Potter)CommentsLeave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Current WeatherSioux Falls, SD, USA13 F Clear

Yhar-neeeewwwoommmnShelve your Bloodborne remaster conspiracies for five minutes, its legally distinct kart racing sibling is getting a beefy looking expansionLook, you can afford five minutes away from the theory board that's covered in more bits of paper and drawing pins than a Yharnam stationary shop.Image credit: LW Games News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Updated on Feb. 6, 2025 You. Yes, you. Stop developing weird theories in response to recent DMCA takedowns that'll probably leave you disappointed. Forget that Bloodborne remaster/PC port you're desperate for. Why? Well, its weird, unofficial kart racing spin-off just had some fresh DLC announced for it.If you've not heard of Nightmare Kart, formerly known as Bloodborne Kart, is a free PSX gothic kart racer you can play for free via Steam or Itch.io. Think, Mario Kart, but with a vibe that'd appeal to edgy teenagers in hoodies, but doesn't actually contain any genuine Bloodborne stuff, because its team had to strip those out so they could release it last year without risking being wiped out by the terrifying final boss that is legal action.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Anyway, developer LWMedia has just announced "The Old Karts" a free DLC/expansion for Nightmare Kart that's set to arrive "when it's ready". There'll be new racers, karts, and tracks as you might expect, but also some more advanced sounding stuff like a mini-campaign, fresh game modes, and some new power ups to help you overcome the big baddie that is your own shitty driving abilities.A peek at some of this stuff has been offered by the trailer below, in which a bunch of karts race about and look very edgy while doing so. Also, about halfway through, some poor karter in a witch hat gets absolutely obliterated by a sniper who seems to ominously declare "do not forget our sacred adage" right as they take the shot. "Fear the old karts" is the next line. Spooky.Watch on YouTubeIf nothing else, it'll be a Bloodborney thing to check out if you're not into mucking about with emulators and mods that are at least now getting to the point of offering you frame rates that nerds approve of.Also, if you're keen to know how Nightmare Kart came to be a thing, we interviewed its lead dev Lilith to get the full story on that back in 2023.

Longtime FanScarlett Johansson landed Jurassic World Rebirth's lead role after chasing an opportunity for many years and being a "really crazy" Jurassic Park fan over the decadesOne of us! One of us!Image credit: Universal Pictures News by Fran Ruiz Contributor Published on Feb. 6, 2025 The first Jurassic World: Rebirth trailer promises a return to the series' adventure roots while also pushing its world and central ideas forward. It stars Scarlett Johansson, and while that might sound like a surprising win for Universal, she'd been trying really hard to join this universe for the longest time.We'd already heard some of this in the past, but Vanity Fair's 'first look' interview (via Variety) with the main creatives and cast members of Rebirth shed further light on Johansson's involvement and how long she'd been chasing an opportunity to enter Jurassic World.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "I was really crazy about the [original] film, and I slept in a Jurassic Park pup tent in my bedroom I shared with my sister for a year... Anytime the trades would report a new Jurassic movie, I would forward to my agents," she revealed. Johansson's big-screen breakthrough happened around the end of the 1990s or the beginning of the 2000s depending on who you ask, so this search for a Jurassic role could've started way before 2015's Jurassic World. In fact, one of her very first blockbuster roles was in Eight Legged Freaks (2002), a monster action-adventure flick about giant spiders.Of course, after Iron Man 2 (2010), her commitments to the Marvel machine would get in the way of potential big-screen opportunities in another cinematic universe, making a jump to Jurassic World difficult to work out. That didn't stop her from orbiting around the productions whenever she could though; while shooting Black Widow in 2020, "Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard were next door on a soundstage filming Jurassic World Dominion," so she fought hard to get a peek at what they were up to.Eventually, she met with Steven Spielberg (who's remained aboard the franchise as a producer) and told him she was a "superfan" while remaining tight-lipped about the whole pup tent deal and other 'rabid fan' stories, because she wanted to avoid looking "desperate." Famous actors are very similar to us sometimes, I guess.With Black Widow currently dead in the MCU and her 'flashback movie' sorted out, Johansson finally managed to join the Jurassic World series last year, and with the first preview promising the start of a new era, chances are that we'll be seeing more of her past this year's Jurassic World: Rebirth, which opens on July 2.

Image: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeNintendo's brand synergy goes deep. Real deep. If visiting Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan wasn't enough Mario for you, you can now rent an Alarmo for the night at some of the park's hotels so you can even have Nintendo on the mind while you sleep.In a post on Nintendo's Japanese website, the company revealed that it was partnering with Universal Studios to bring Alarmo rentals to seven different hotels. The rental package includes an Alarmo and an AC adapter for plugging it in, both of which can be collected from the hotel reception desk, the post claims.The announcement doesn't specify how much an Alarmo rental will cost, but we'd have to imagine it's cheaper than the clock's usual 89.99 price tag, right? Perhaps even free? We can dream.This offer is now available at each of the park's official hotels, which we'll list below:Oriental Hotel Universal CityThe Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios JapanThe Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios JapanHotel Kintetsu Universal CityHotel Keihan Universal TowerHotel Universal PortHotel Universal Port VitaThis offer seems to be specifically for the Universal Studios site in Osaka for the time being, but we wouldn't be surprised to see it come stateside if Nintendo sees enough interest particularly given the recent delay in Alarmo's retail launch for non-NSO members.Late last year, the Osaka park finally opened the doors to its new Donkey Kong expansion, which boasts a DK-themed roller coaster, a new store, bongo minigames and more banana-flavoured food than we've ever thought was necessary. We'd be lying if we said we weren't a little bit envious... Can Hyrules destiny really depend on such a lazy boy?Hitting snoozeWould you be interested in renting an Alarmo if you had the option? Let us know in the comments.[source nintendo.com]Share:00 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related Articles69 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Supercharge' eShop Sale (North America)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherNintendo Reconfirms Release Windows For Major Upcoming Switch Games... and the Switch 2!Ex-PlayStation Boss On Switch 2's Name: Nintendo Created So Much "Brand Value""Why would you mess with that?"Random: Local Supermarket Wins Trademark Battle Against NintendoIt didn't expect to beat "such a commercial monster"

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube795kIf you're a fan of precision platformers like Celeste or perhaps even Super Meat Boy, then a newcomer from developer Purple Tree might well be up your street.Desvelado is launching on the Switch eShop on 20th February 2025, and honestly, it just looks so adorable. It boasts a wonderful modern cartoon aesthetic with superb animation and over 100 levels to explore. Naturally, our only concern is whether the gameplay itself can hold up to its inspirations, but judging from the trailer, it does seem relatively tight and fast-pased.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube795kWatch on YouTube Purple Tree has previously been responsible for the Punch-Out-inspired fighting game Thunder Ray, which we awarded a score of 7/10. We called it "a brief but solid tribute" that showcased gorgeous visuals and challenging gameplay, but perhaps wasn't quite as slick as Punch-Out!! itself.For now, let's check out the key features for Desvelado:- Challenging 2D platformer reminiscent of Celeste and Super Meat Boy- Super-tight controlsGreat for speedrunning- Cute main character with frame-by-frame animations- 100+ hand-crafted levels spread across 3 main zones- 3 boss levels- Additional bonus levels for completionistsImages: Purple TreeDesvelado is available to pre-order via the UK eShop now for 8.99. Once its price is confirmed in other regions, we'll be sure to update this piece to let you know.Are you keen on picking this one up? What do you make of the trailer? Share your thoughts with a comment down below.

As cancer rates in the West, and globally, tack upwards due to lifestyle and environmental pollution, so does the need for the nuclear isotopes used in detecting those cancers in a medical setting. But with many reactors built in the 70s and the 80s scheduled for shut down, the materials used are becoming rarer and more expensive. Now, a startup from Bristol, UK hopes to ramp up production of these materials by using a new, radical, technology.Astral Systems, cofounded by Talmon Firestone and Dr. Tom Wallce-Smith, employs something called multistate fusion (MSF) technology in its compact reactors, enabling the increased supply of the nuclear isotopes used in modern medicine. These reactors are in fact so compact that they can fit on the average desk.Astral has now closed over 4.5M investment led by Austria-based VC Speedinvest and UK-based Playfair.The company says its approach will commercialize MSF technology, achieving better performance with greater efficiency and lower cost than traditional reactors.The approach employs so-called lattice confinement fusion (LCF), a concept first discovered by NASA. This can achieve solid-state fuel densities 400 million times higher than those achievable normally, according to the company.Astral SYstems, TeamLeveraging earlier research from NASA, Astral also claims its platform could lead to other applications such as safe hybrid nuclear energy, space exploration, and industrial and security industry applications.Astrals co-founder and CTO, Dr Tom Wallace-Smith told TechCrunch: The whole industry has been in sort of supply constraint historically because of this reliance on centralized reactors.Whereas what were proposing is placing them in industrial units or in the basement of hospitals or production centers. We can then produce the drugs exactly where they needed, and be able to reduce the reliance on these centralized production sites, he added.He believes competitors are constrained by existing technology: Most other approaches are based on linear, accelerated technology, whereas what were doing is essentially taking a very high TRL core architecture and putting in 2020 physics, where the ceiling is quite high in terms of performance. So were just at the start of whats achievable with this, he said.In a statement, Rick Hao, partner at Speedinvest added: Astral Systems represents the best of UK deeptech. Astral is delivering a fresh approach to nuclear fusion that addresses urgent medical, industrial and power needs.So far Astral has established three commercial fusion facilities from which its already generating revenues.Also participating in the round was participation of angel investors including Oliver Buck, founder of ITM Isotope Technologies, and former ARM President of Product Group, Pete Hutton.

In BriefPosted:3:54 AM PST February 6, 2025Image Credits:Ashish Vaishnav / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty ImagesIndias Zomato to rebrand as EternalIndian food delivery group Zomato plans to rename itself as Eternal in an effort to make a strategic shift as its quick-commerce unit, Blinkit, becomes a significant driver of growth.The Gurugram-based company, which joined Indias benchmark index, BSE Sensex, in December, said on Thursday the name change would better reflect its expanding business portfolio, which includes Blinkit, business-to-business venture Hyperpure, and events app District. The Zomato app and brand name will remain unchanged.Blinkit grew materially larger than Zomatos food delivery business in the past year. A number of analysts estimate that Blinkit will grow to account for as much as 70% of the groups value in the coming year.In a letter to shareholders, founder Deepinder Goyal said the company started using Eternal internally after acquiring Blinkit to distinguish between the corporate entity and its food delivery brand. Eternal is a powerful name, and to be honest, it scares me to my core. It is a tall order to live up to. Because Eternal carries both a promise and a paradox, Goyal wrote in a letter. This isnt just a name change; it is a mission statement.The company, which has a market cap of $25.2 billion, also plans to change its stock ticker from ZOMATO to ETERNAL.Topics